Barbara Ann Kostenuk
It is with deep sorrow and much love that we announce the passing of Barbara Kostenuk. Barb passed on March 6, 2024 with great dignity and resilience. Born September 29, 1942 and raised in Niagara Falls, Ontario, she was a devoted wife to Don for 52 years. They shared a love and a bond that was her world. They met in 1958 when 3 guys in a convertible picked up 3 girls hitchhiking home from Crystal Beach Park, the day before her 16th birthday and the rest as they say ‘is history’.
Barb dedicated her life to her work. Her earlier years were spent teaching Hairdressing and working at Ferry Leather and Niagara Parks. In 1990 when Don retired they made the permanent move to their beloved cottage in Dorset. Barb resumed her work in Dorset with many years at Claytons Store and the Dorset Tower. She was also very committed to her many years of volunteer work with the Dorset Museum and the Lifeliners and anything that her community needed from her. Barb was also a very talented painter. Something that sadly, many people never knew. What you certainly did know about her though, was she had an immense love of animals and pets were her family. Many dogs, cats, birds were brought into her fold over her life and she ended her time here with her precious protector Joey by her side.
Predeceased by her wonderful parents Maggie Rossall and Bill Rossall and Cpl. Jack Kelly (her hero) who sadly died in World War II just before Barbara was born. Also predeceased by close cousin Norma Bowman, brother-in-law and sister-in-law Steve and Ronnie Kostenuk and her best friend Cathie Parks.
Lovingly remembered by close family members, cousins Carol Upper, George and Marilyn Johnson and Jerry Johnson, sister-in-law and brother-in-law Lillian and Roger Perron, niece Darla Perron (Jim, Landon and Cruz), nephew Duane Perron.
She will also be forever loved and remembered by her special ‘honorary family’ – J.P. Bedard (Val, Ross, Lauren and Matthew), goddaughter Caree Rae (Greg, Kendall), the entire Zwaal family, especially Gerry and Pat, Stefan and Tanya, Zac and Sky, and so many wonderful neighbours, friends and community members.
We would like to send a special thank you for the love, care and compassion given to Barb and our family from the team at Hospice Huntsville. We are forever grateful.
If you wish, memorial donations can be made in Barb’s honor to Hospice Huntsville or the Dorset Museum.
A burial service will be held at 11am, Saturday, May 11, 2024 at the Paint Lake Cemetery. Reception will follow. Please check back at a later date for more details.